Date of Award: July 13, 1945
Conflict: World War II
Branch: U.S. Army
One of seven Montanans to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor, the country’s highest award for valor in the armed forces, Technician Fourth Grade Laverne Parris came from the farms of Pablo, Mont., to become one of the many gallant heroes of World War II.
Parrish enlisted in 1941, served with the Medical Detachment, 161st Infantry, 25th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army and spent several years overseas. It was while stationed in the Philippine Islands that he made the ultimate sacrifice to this country. Fearlessly crossing open terrain under heavy fire, Parrish was able to treat nearly all of the 37 casualties his company suffered before being mortally wounded by mortar fire.
Citation: “While treating the casualties, Technician Parrish observed 2 wounded still in the field. Without hesitation he left the ditch, crawled forward under enemy fire, and in 2 successive trips brought both men to safety. He next administered aid to 12 casualties in the same field, crossing and re-crossing the open area raked by hostile fire.”
You are leaving Health.mil
The appearance of hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense of non-U.S. Government sites or the information, products, or services contained therein. Although the Defense Health Agency may or may not use these sites as additional distribution channels for Department of Defense information, it does not exercise editorial control over all of the information that you may find at these locations. Such links are provided consistent with the stated purpose of this website.
You are leaving Health.mil
View the external links disclaimer.
Last Updated: July 11, 2023